Entry stamp in US passport given when arriving by plane?
 

I have traveled to many places in the world and love to glance at the passport stamps that I’ve collected in my passport. Strangely however, I have never visited my neighbors – Canada and Mexico.

Luckily, I will have a chance to visit Calgary in May. I’ll be flying in from DFW to YYC on the inbound flight, and flying YYC-SEA on the outbound.

In the past, I’ve heard that Canadian immigration officials will not give an entry stamps in an US Passport when flying in from the States. Is this still the case? If not, what is the likelihood of having it stamped as a souvenir? I definitely want to add Canada to my collection of entry stamps in my passport, so any knowledge in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Also, is YYC an airport with pre-customs clearance for flights to the US?

Thanks in advance,

kebosabi

I'm a Canadian. When I fly to the USA from Vancouver, US pre-clearance at YVR 'usually' stamps my passport.

When I come home, Canada 'usually' doesn't.

...so it's 'likely' the reverse for you.

I also like to collect the stamps, and have never been turned down when I asked for the stamp.

In the early 90's the Dutch immigration people at AMS always waved me through when I presented a Canadian passport and I had to hand it to them and ask for a stamp. I don't think I've ever been waved through on more recent trips, they all seem to have tightened up a bit.

Just ask for the stamp when you enter Canada and they'll be happy to give it to you.

Enjoy your trip.

Yes, YYC pre-clears.
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/c..._locations.xml

Oddly, I never get Canadian stamps but US DHS stamps about half the time. Never tried asking, though.

Most countries such as US/Canada + EU are hit-or-miss for a stamp.

BUT, I've found that they will be more than happy to stamp it if you ask politely.

Personally I try not to get the Cdn/US/Mex because it just uses up space in the passport.

Depending on how much you travel, you could need extra pages before it expires, especially in the US where passports are good for 10 years. Cdn ones are good for 5 (for now).

JP

YYC pre-clearance is not the issue here. You are arriving from DFW. Since DFW does not preclear CANADA CUSTOMS (no one does) you will be processed when you arrive in YYC. Yes, YYC will almost certainly stamp your passport with a Canada entry stamp. If for some reason they don't just ask for one.

When you leave YYC for SEA you will processed by US CBP pre-clearance for entry to the US. That way you are free to go once at SEA and do not have to be processed by SEA customs on arrival.

Enjoy your first trip to Canada!